Novosti Donbassa reports today that there are rumors of a coup in the self-proclaimed 'Donetsk People's Republic' (DNR), the spearhead of the Russian-backed separatists in southeastern Ukraine.
Says Novosti Donbassa:
Rumors have actively been circulating on social networks. In particular, there are reports from various sources that DNR members Andrei Purgin and Aleksei Aleksandrov are not being allowed into the occupied territory of Donetsk Region at the Uspenka checkpoint on the Russian-Ukrainian border.
Meanwhile, a meeting of the so-called "Popular Council" took place in occupied Donetsk chaired by Denis Pushilin. Thus, DNR members are beginning to spread rumors that Pushilin and his supporters have seized power in the occupied government.
Journalist Aleksei Matsuk reported live on Donbass Public TV that Purgin went to Moscow for talks with Vyacheslav Volodin, first deputy head of the Russian presidential administration (translation by The Interpreter):
"As is known, Volodin has a long-time enmity with Vladislav Surkov, aide to the president. The internal conflict continues. Essentially, Denis Pushilin is Surkov's man. And Purgin is a representative of Volodin. We are simply watching a struggle for power between the Russian figures Surkov and Volodin."
A video has also been uploaded to YouTube purporting to be an intercepted conversation with Aleksandrov recounting his denial of entry to the DNR at the border, and a verbal instruction that had gone to guards saying that he should not be allowed "without a reason" into the DNR. He said there was a long line at the border of people waiting to enter.
Bookmarks